Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton forms part of the Benefice of Minchinhampton with Box and Amberley

Porch Room

Chancel Ceiling

THE BREAD OF LIFE

Every three years, in the month of August, we get a series of lectionary readings from the Gospel of John, which focus upon Jesus as the bread of life. Today's Gospel is the second of five such bread-focused readings, in fact (last week we had the feeding of the 5000). The crowd follow Jesus after this miraculous feeding, but still do not get it. They want to make him king because they have witnessed a miracle, but they do not understand what Jesus is saying when he speaks of the bread of life. They think he means another sign like Moses in the desert, when the people of Israel were without food, and manna was sent from heaven to fed them. This is the extent of their imagination - to ask Jesus to re-enact this story for them. In one sense, they have not understood that he already has: to feed the thousands from just five loaves is to have indeed provided them with bread of a heavenly kind. But greater than that: he is himself 'the bread sent from heaven'. Bread is such a staple for most of the world, that it was a natural image for Jesus to use to refer to himself. To feed on Jesus, as it were, is to be nourished with an essential to life. It is a different kind of feeding - it is spiritual nurture and sustenance. Partaking of food, it becomes part of our body. This is the new intimacy with God through Christ - to partake of Christ is to truly take him into ourselves, to allow him to become such a presence within us, that we are transformed into his likeness. 'I am', says Jesus, using the divine name about himself. 'The bread of life,' he adds: the source of all life, food for our lives.

ST. BARNABAS, BOX

We are looking to grow our choirs! Please consider joining at the level of commitment / frequency you feel able to offer. The choirs (adult & junior) sing a wide range of music not only for regular church services but also for weddings, funerals, carols in church, special events and even a recent film! Junior singers are trained according to the RSCM's Voice for life scheme – recently a chorister was accepted by Gloucester Cathedral choir. Choral scholarships available for over 16-year-olds still in full-time education. Adults singers commit only to what they are able to do. Details on the church website and on the Choirminch Facebook page. If you think you might enjoy singing, contact Julian Elloway for an informal chat

Takes place every week from 2:30 until 4:00pm in the Porch Room or if really nice weather outside the church as in the picture.

Church members attend as well as non-church goers and a warm welcome and good cake awaits you. The Wednesday walkers often join us as they finish ready for a sit down and a cuppa. It is a good social gathering of friends and all are welcome to come and chat and meet new people.

Confirmation ClassesAn invitation ... for Young People and Adults across the Benefice

For young people when you were baptised as a baby or small child, promises were made on your behalf by Godparents. Now you can make these promises yourself. You are invited to come and learn more about these promises and explore any other questions you may have about faith.Each year we hold a series of classes for anyone wishing to be Confirmed or even just exploring what Confirmation may mean to them. These classes are open to any young people, over the age of 10.

If you want to know more about this and whether confirmation might be for you, do have a word with the Reverend Sandy Emery or the Reverend Brian Atkinson. Contact Sandy or Brian

For adults there is the exciting new course Faith Matters: Foundations in Christianity held the last Thursday of every month at 7pm at The Rectory, Minchinhampton. Please speak to The Rector, The Reverend Helen Bailey or the Revewrend Canon Dr Mike Tucker. Contact Helen or Mike if you would like to know more.

A Confirmation Service will take place in the late Autumn (date to be confirmed) led by either our new Bishop Rachael or by Bishop Martyn.

Letters and Notes from Ministry Team

Each month our rector writes a letter to the Parish and this is published on this website and in the Parish Magazine. In addition Notes are produced in which you will find information on events and happenings that have taken place or are to take place in the near future. To view these publications Click Here

Parish Magazine Articles

A selection of articles, including Greenfingers is chosen each month and can be viewed by clicking here.

Sermons

The sermon delivered at the Sung Eucharist Service held on Sundays at 10.00am is usually recorded and an MP3 version posted to this website. Normally the recordings are available for up to three months before being removed and if you wish to listen to any of them please go to our Sermons page.

Daily Prayer

The Church has a tradition of daily prayer which embraces the three key elements of praise, intercession and engagement with scripture.

This page links to the C of E Daily Prayer website allowing us all to join in this daily pattern of prayer. When using the Offices individually read both the priest's and people's part.